Leonard Stern, the inventor of the “World’s Greatest Word Game” Mad Libs, passed away today at the age of 88.

In his honor, I’ve created an “Better Brainstorming” Mad Lib.

Mad Libs – as a creativity tool – always provided immediate benefits of being creative and imaginative. I loved that about Mad Libs. The more creative you were with your words, the better the pay-off with the final story.

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Background

Mad Libs was a fun part of growing up. It was a treat mom would buy to help pass time while we were taking family road trip vacations.

To think up the silliest (and most gross) nouns, verbs, and adjectives would always create explosions of laughter.

Today’s New York Times story reports how Stern, a writer for TV comedy shows in the 50s came up with the idea working with Price.

Mad Libs was conceived in 1953, when Mr. Stern was writing a script for “The Honeymooners.” As he recounted in interviews afterward, he was casting about for a particular word. His friend Roger Price, a humor writer, happened by.

“I need an adjective,” Mr. Stern said.

Mr. Price obligingly supplied two: “clumsy” and “naked.”

Mr. Stern laughed out loud. The word was intended to describe the nose of Ralph Kramden’s boss.